Surgical instrument



" July 7, 1953 v J. A. BENOIT- 4,

V SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Fild Aug. 5,

' ATTORNEY Patented July 7, 1953 Jeanne A. Benoit, Anthony, B. I. Application August 5, 1950, Serial No. 177,941

1 Claim. (01. 128-321) My present invention relates to surgical in struments, and more particularly to a rectal evacuator.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a surgical instrument for removing rectal fecal impactions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an instrument for removing rectal fecal impactions without the necessity of using additional dilators.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an instrument that will permit the removal of rectal fecal impactions without pain or trauma to rectal tissue.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple surgical instrument for removing rectal fecal impactions which can readily be used by a nurse without danger of injury to the patient.

With the above and other objects and advantageous features in view, my invention consists of a novel arrangement of parts, more fully disclosed in the detailed description following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and more particularly defined in the appended claim. 7

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a surgical instrument embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. l, with the instrument in open position.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 3-3 on Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a section taken on line 4-4 on Fig. 1.

Rectal fecal impactions often occur in elderly people and present a problem for the attending nurse and physician. The usual treatment is to soften the impaction by the use of oils, then to give an enema. In a large number of cases, this will not work and it will be necessary to use a rubber glove and remove digitally. Such procedures are extremely painful and often result in bleeding and other injuries to the tissues. Furthermore, in such cases the doctor must be summoned, whereas the condition is such that the attending nurse should be able to take care of the patient.

The present invention provides for a surgical instrument which will permit the removal of such impactions Without pain or injury to the patient,

and, if necessary, without softening the impactedmatter.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the instrument It! comprises a scissorlike arrangement in which the two handle portions H and 12 are hinged as at l3. The upper endof the portion II and I2 are provided with integral loop portions 14 and [5. The lower end of the portions I I and I2 are provided with elongated integral spoon shaped portions l6 and I1 tapering towards the lower tip l8. The curvatures of the portions [6 and H are such that they form an annular cross section, as shown in Fig. 3. The handle portions II and I2 and the loop portions l4 and I5 are semi-circular so that when positioned together they form an annular cross section, as shown in Fig. 4. It is preferred that the pivoting portion l3 be positioned midway between the lower tip end I8 and the Point l9 adjacent the lower end of the loops l4 and I 5. Since different individuals have different physical characteristics, it is preferred that the instrument be made in three different sizes-small, medium and large. For purposes of illustration, the proportion of parts for the large size would measure as follows: ten inches from the upper to the lower end, two and one-half inches for'the length of the spoon shaped end, one inch for the diameter of the spoon shaped cross section shown in Fig. 3, three-eighths inch for the diameter of the handle cross section shown in Fig. 4 and approximately two inches for the length of the loop portions 14 and I5;

After a diagnosis of fecal impaction, the instrument is well lubricated with a suitable conventional lubricator and is carefully inserted up to the fecal mass. The loop portions l4 and I5 are then gently separated, the operator watching the portion I9, to measure the separation at the other end. The rounded sides of the portions l6 and I! act as a dilator. After the separation, the instrument is then pushed up high enough to grasp the impacted mass. The mass can then be removed, either a cylinder full at a time or by helping the patient, through gentle traction, to move the mass down and out. It may be necessary, in addition to the use of the instrument, to soften the mass first, depending upon the condition of the patient.- 1

The above described instrument can readily be used by the nurse in charge without the need of calling the attending physician. It eliminates the need for a dilator and operates without causing pain or trauma.

While I have described a specific embodiment of my invention, it is obvious that changes may be made in the size or shape of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claim.

I claim:

A surgical instrument comprising a pair of 2 U elongated members pivotally connected interme- References Cited in the fi 01 this patent diate their enris, said members forming an annu- UNITED STATES A'I'ENT lar cross-section in closed position, 100p handle N b N D t portions at one end of each member, the other 32 0 0 A @1894 nd f each member comprising an elongated 5 8182165 g 1906 sp n-shaped portion, said spoon-shaped por- 864558 R ht P 1907 im having an annular cross-section in closed 1 722,893 F 1929 po i i n, said pivotal connection being located 61,503 3 1930 m w y ween the lower end of said loop handle 611374 Y I on M 3 1951 portions and the tip end of said spoon-shaped 10 i gee y portions.

JEANNE A. BENOIT. 4 

